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Roof Warranties Explained: Durations and What Homeowners Should Know
Have you or someone you know ever discovered their extended warranty did not cover costly roof repairs? Unfortunately, that seems to be a common gripe after people take out lengthy loans and strain their budgets to pay their monthly installments, only to find themselves feeling lost when materials don’t hold up.
When it comes to residential roof warranties, it’s critical to understand precisely what is and is not covered, and for how long. Too many residential and commercial property owners end up draining their savings accounts after a roofing system fails.
At A-R Roofing in Wichita, KS, we work diligently with our valued community members. We have the experience and skilled professionals to get the job done right.
If you have an aging or damaged roof that needs replacement, these are things to know about types of roofing warranties.
What to Know About a Manufacturer’s Warranty
The industry standard for new products and materials typically involves limited lifetime warranties. The warranty covers all materials and products as long as the work is performed by a certified roofing contractor. That’s an important tidbit of information to keep in mind as you field bids for a new roof.
In the event the crew performing the job is not licensed, or the shingle manufacturer doesn’t back projects performed by the outfit, the warranty coverage could be rendered null and void. The same holds true for handy homeowners who purchase roofing materials and do it themselves. But, if you enlist the support of a credible roofing contractor in Wichita, KS, the warranty covers the following.
- Roofing Shingles: The metal panel, rubber roof, or shingle manufacturers only cover the cost of the materials they produce. Should these items prove defective or not stand up to reasonable weather conditions, commercial and residential property owners can anticipate receiving another batch at no cost.
- Labor Costs: In many cases, the manufacturer’s warranty covers the cost of replacing the defective materials. However, it’s important to read the proverbial fine print about labor costs because defective materials removal may not be covered.
Another caveat to keep in mind when hiring a roofing contractor is the possibility the shingle manufacturer declines to cover malfunctions. Product makers sometimes argue their shingles, panels, or rubber roofing materials were not at fault. The problem lay with a roofing contractor who was not properly credentialed.
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What Workmanship Warranties Cover
The reputation and certification of the commercial or residential roofing contractor who installs the roofing system of your home or business obviously matter a great deal. A highly skilled and experienced roofing contractor knows the subtle nuances that naturally extend the life of a flat, rubber, metal, or asphalt shingle roof.
A workmanship warranty usually covers issues such as roof leaks, ineffective caulk and flashing, and the labor necessary to repair or replace items damaged due to installation missteps. These may include replacing fascia boards or soffits if items such as edging weren’t installed effectively. Unlike a manufacturer’s warranty, property owners need to read the fine details about why the roofing contractor might not return to perform repairs or a replacement at no cost. These may involve the following.
- High-wind storms such as tornadoes
- Hard impacts from tree limbs and other objects
- Water damage is caused by ice buildup in gutters
- Property alterations were not done by the roofing contractor
- Wear and tear due to foot traffic on the roofing system
The general idea is that even a trustworthy contractor cannot assume the cost of returning to a roofing project and providing out-of-pocket services due to issues beyond their control. If the problem originated with a workmanship oversight, the best roofing contractors honor their agreements.
How Long Does Roofing Warranty Coverage Last?
The length of time a manufacturer and a contract warranty offer may differ, and that can be an essential issue to consider as your roofing system ages.
Roofing contractors offer repair and replacement guarantees ranging from 5-10 years, on average. The length of coverage can be influenced by weather conditions, type of roofing system, and other factors.
Many roofing material warranties run north of 25 years. But, again, read the fine print because some manufacturers limit no-cost replacements to 5 years.
It’s also standard industry practice to consider a warranty null and void if the roofing system was not installed by a certified and licensed contractor. The product makers usually will not acknowledge the warranty if property owners make alterations after the contractor completed the work.
What are the Best Roofing Warranties?
Lifetime warranties are the best possible warranties that property owners can hope to secure. It may be more realistic to enter an agreement with a licensed and certified roofing contractor willing to offer 10 years or longer. The best workmanship warranties cover the removal of existing materials, repair or replacement of damaged rafters and infrastructure, as well as laying down a new roofing system.
In terms of roofing material warranties, the best options provide a minimum of 25 years. If you can secure one through a roofing contractor that also covers the cost of removing defective materials, you’re in a good position. Remember to inquire about extended roof warranties that provide coverage for upwards of 50 years. These are the equivalent of a lifetime warranty, for all intents and purposes.
It’s also important to note that your homeowner’s insurance plays a critical role in the cost of a damaged roof. When high winds and hail storms tear up asphalt shingles and negatively affect rubber roofs, filing an insurance claim can cover the cost of repairs or a total roof replacement.
Work with a Trusted Midwest Roofing Contractor
A-R Roofing brings more than 25 years of experience to every residential or commercial roofing project. We provide secure workmanship warranties and price-friendly solutions for community members who need roof repairs, maintenance, and replacements. We are a fully licensed and certified roof organization that stands behind our work. If you have an aging roof or suspect hail strike or wind damage, contact us today and schedule a roof inspection.
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